Tea in Burundi includes domestically produced black tea alongside imported varieties, with production playing a significant role in the national economy. In cities such as Bujumbura and Gitega, tea appears through supermarkets, small shops, and cafés, where locally produced tea is commonly available alongside imported options. In rural areas, tea consumption is often linked to proximity to tea-growing regions, though much of the highest-quality production is oriented toward export markets. The tea market is influenced by agricultural production, export structures, and local affordability, which shape how much domestically grown tea is consumed within the country. Compared with other beverages, tea occupies a stable but somewhat secondary role in everyday consumption despite its importance as a cash crop. Visibility is supported by domestic production but limited by economic factors and distribution. As a result, tea in Burundi reflects a dual identity as both a key export product and a locally available beverage with uneven domestic presence.
